How to Clean and Care for Gold Jewellery

Gold does not rust, and good 18K gold does not tarnish the way silver does. Even so, a favourite chain or ring can look dull after a few weeks of daily wear. The cause is almost always a film of everyday life, not damage, and it comes off easily with the right method.

Why gold loses its shine

Skin oils, hand cream, sunscreen, soap and perfume leave a thin layer on the surface, and dust collects in chain links and behind stones. Over time small surface scratches also soften the polish. Because 18K contains other metals for strength, very harsh chemicals can occasionally discolour it, which is another reason to keep cleaning gentle.

A gentle clean at home

1. Fill a small bowl with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.
2. Soak the piece for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen oils and dirt.
3. Brush softly with a clean, very soft toothbrush, paying attention to clasps, links and the backs of settings.
4. Rinse under clean running water, with the sink plug closed or over a bowl.
5. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth and let it air-dry fully before putting it away.

For a quick shine between cleans, simply wipe your jewellery with a dry microfibre or jewellery cloth after wearing it.

What to avoid

• Chlorine and bleach: pool water and household cleaners can weaken gold alloys over time and may damage solder joints. Take jewellery off before swimming or cleaning.
• Perfume, hairspray and lotions: put your jewellery on last, after you have finished getting ready.
• Abrasives: toothpaste, baking soda and rough cloths leave fine scratches.
• Harsh chemicals: acetone, strong degreasers and so-called "dip" cleaners not designed for gold.
• Ultrasonic cleaners at home: they can loosen stones and are not suitable for every gem, so leave them to a professional.

Pieces with stones

Do not soak pieces set with pearls, opals, emeralds or other soft or porous stones. Wipe them with a damp cloth instead and dry them immediately. For diamonds and harder stones the soapy-water method is fine, but brush gently around the claws.

Store each piece separately

Gold scratches gold, and chains tangle quickly in a shared box. Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined compartment, close chains before storing them so they do not knot, and keep jewellery away from bathroom humidity. When travelling, a small roll or case with separate pockets protects everything.

Everyday habits that help

• Remove rings and bracelets at the gym, at the beach and before heavy work with your hands.
• Take jewellery off before sleeping to avoid bending fine chains.
• Check clasps and claws now and then: a loose clasp is easier to fix than a lost bracelet.

When to see a jeweller

If a piece has deep scratches, a loose stone or a weak clasp, or if white gold is starting to look yellowish because its rhodium plating has worn, take it to a professional. Polishing removes a tiny amount of metal each time, so once a year or so is plenty for most pieces. If you notice a manufacturing defect, our 6-month warranty covers it. Looking for something new to care for? Browse our 18K gold chains.